Cash injection helps aviation precinct

By
ADAM WRIGHT

Aug. 24, 2014, 5:23 p.m.

THE Albatross Aviation Technology Park got a $1.8 million shot in the arm on Friday.

MONEY TALKS: Kiama MP Gareth Ward, Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka, South Coast MP Shelley Hancock, Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash, Megan Cleary from NSW Trade and Investment, Shoalhaven City Council general manager Russ Pigg and council’s project delivery manager David Wagstaff at the announcement of $1.8 million for the Albatross Aviation Technology Park on Friday.

THE Albatross Aviation Technology Park got a $1.8 million shot in the arm on Friday.

The money will be used to extend the electricity network, build drainage and install automated security gates to the subdivision.

The work will help prepare the site for a number of defence and aviation projects.

The new work at the technology park is expected to create more than 320 new private sector jobs and support an extra 500 Defence personnel.

Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka announced the money on Friday morning.

He was joined by South Coast MP Shelley Hancock, who said the main thrust of the lobbying for the money was to help Shoalhaven City Council with funding infrastructure in the subdivision.

“It’s wonderful news for employment, more than 300 jobs for this area,” she said.

Mrs Hancock said the location was relevant as it was where the new helicopter maintenance business would be located.

“In the first instance, these projects are associated with the acquisition of 24 new MH-60R combat helicopters for the navy that will be introduced into service in the next 12 months,” Mrs Hancock said.

“This will bring additional investment into the already strong industry cluster in the Albatross Aviation Technology Park, being jointly developed by the NSW government and Shoalhaven City Council.”

Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash said the money would be a great help with council already funding the technology park with $2.4 million.

“I thank the minister. This is $1.8 million council doesn’t have to find,” she said.

“The technology park will continue to grow and there are businesses knocking on the door for land here now.”

She said it would have been very difficult for council to fund it alone.